Gov. Nixon touts Medicaid expansion in visit to Kirksville

Nixon says Missouri opting in for Medicaid expansion would spur economic development, create jobs, keep tax dollars in state and provide coverage for the uninsured.

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By Jason Hunsicker@JHunsicker_KDE

Kirksville Daily Express - Kirksville, MO

By Jason Hunsicker@JHunsicker_KDE

Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 12:26 PM

By Jason Hunsicker@JHunsicker_KDE

Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 12:26 PM

Kirksville

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon visited Kirksville Thursday morning to spread his vision of economic development spurred by the state's opportunity to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Meeting with a few dozen local officials at the Economic Development Alliance, Nixon said the expansion would bring billions in federal dollars to the state, noting those dollars are Missouri tax dollars that would be spent elsewhere if the expansion is denied.

"Other states get the benefits, we get the bill," Nixon said of rejecting the expansion.

He also cited a University of Missouri study that projected 24,000 new jobs created in 2014 alone if the state expands the program.

An estimated 300,000 Missourians who are currently uninsured would be eligible for coverage under the plan.

The expansion is an element of the Affordable Care Act, which originally mandated expansion. However, the Supreme Court's decision last year opened the opportunity for states to make a choice.

Coverage would be available for individuals earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of four at 138 percent makes $31,809 a year.

The expansion would have full federal funding for the first three years before eventually settling at a 90-10 federal-state match in the future.

We'll have more information on this story later today on www.KirksvilleDailyExpress.com and Friday in the Daily Express.